Direct Drive Simulation-Preoperative Sound Simulation of "Vibroplasty-Hearing" in Patients With Mixed Hearing Loss.

Abstract

Validation of the preoperative sound simulation test for vibroplasty-hearing so-called "Direct Drive Simulation" (DDS) in case of mixed hearing loss. Retrospective data analysis. Tertiary referral center with a large hearing implant program. Comparison of sound impression during preoperative Direct Drive Simulation, and postoperative testing with the activated active middle ear implant (AMEI) under free-field condition and in daily routine. Fifty-four data sets from 18 patients with mixed hearing loss with a mean age of 60.78 ± 3.18 were included. Comparing the sound impression during DDS preoperatively versus free-field testing with the implanted AMEI, no significant differences were found. DDS offers a slightly better sound quality than the AMEI in daily routine, fitting well to the ideal listening situation in DDS versus some background noise in daily routine. The DDS offers the possibility of a realistic preoperative sound simulation of the "vibroplasty-hearing" in cases of mixed hearing loss. This probably facilitates patient's decision towards a vibroplasty. The audiologist as well as the surgeon get additional information regarding the indication especially when audiologic inclusion criteria are critical. Thus, the DDS is a useful extension of preoperative diagnostics before vibroplasty.